CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility

Putting people, communities, and integrity at the heart of our practice

When choosing a law firm, you want more than professional expertise. You want reassurance that the firm you place your trust in cares about its people, the wider community, and the environment in which it operates. Our approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) reflects exactly that. We are proud of our long history of supporting staff, championing equality, working responsibly with clients and partners, and giving back to the communities we serve.

We believe that the importance of CSR extends beyond business. It reflects how our teams evolve, how our clients perceive our support, and how our firm engages with society. This is why we align our work with the corporate social responsibility pyramid, recognising the balance of economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities. Our commitment is embedded in everything we do, from mentoring the next generation of lawyers to sponsoring local initiatives that create lasting impact.

Who We Are

We are a progressive and caring firm with offices across Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey, Merseyside and a presence in London. With 24 partners and over 120 staff members, we serve both individuals and businesses with integrity, transparency, and empathy.

Our vision is clear:

“To be the first choice law firm to the SME market and to high net worth individuals in the UK.” We will be the trusted advisor working in partnership with our clients to provide commercial and practical advice openly and honestly, whilst encouraging and supporting our staff to fulfil their ambitions.

This philosophy runs through our approach to CSR in business. We strike a balance between commercial goals and a genuine responsibility to do right by our people and communities.

Our People

We see our people as our greatest strength. Their well-being and development are essential for growth and for the continuity of client care.

Career development: A structured competency framework, mentoring programme, and internal Trainee Academy ensure staff have clear pathways to progress. Many of our paralegals and trainee lawyers started their careers with us in other roles before advancing internally.

Learning opportunities: Work placements, apprenticeships and training contracts give young people valuable insight and experience.

Diversity and inclusion: We are committed to equal opportunities, making employment decisions based on talent and ability, never on age, gender, race, religion, sexuality or disability.

Open communication: From team meetings to annual general gatherings, we ensure every member of staff has a voice. Staff surveys, newsletters and direct access to leadership encourage transparency and support.

Celebrating contribution: We recognise and reward those who go above and beyond. Our Social Committee also organises events to strengthen relationships across the firm.

This investment in people reflects our belief that CSR starts with supporting those closest to us.

Environmental Responsibility

We recognise the urgent need to reduce our impact on the planet. Our environmental commitments include:

Recycling office items such as cartridges and paper wherever possible
Encouraging staff to reduce waste and switch off unused equipment
Using energy-saving lighting across our offices
Partnering with suppliers who share our ethos on sustainability
We continue to refine our practices to reduce our carbon footprint and to comply with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Community and Charity

We are proud of our strong connections to local communities. Our staff volunteer their time as trustees, governors and advisors, while our Charity Committee coordinates fundraising and awareness initiatives throughout the year.

Our approach goes beyond donations. We seek to build relationships, raise awareness and engage meaningfully with charitable projects. From supporting causes chosen by staff to firm-wide fundraising events, we believe in making a direct and positive difference.

Sponsorship and Engagement

Sponsorship allows us to support causes, organisations and events that align with our values. We regularly invest time, funding and expertise into initiatives that matter locally and regionally. These include:

Sponsoring the Dorset Venus Awards to celebrate women in business
Supporting the Winchester Business Excellence Awards and the South Coast Property Awards
Speaking at community networking events without charge
Sponsoring charity golf days, music festivals and careers fairs
Supporting Julia’s House and Teddy Rocks Festival, raising vital funds for children’s charities
Partnering with Chambers of Commerce in Hampshire and Dorset to promote regional business growth

Through sponsorship and active involvement, we aim to raise awareness, strengthen networks and help others achieve their goals.

Health, Safety and Security

We take the safety of employees and visitors very seriously. Health and safety policies are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and the provision of a safe workplace. Information security is also a core focus. We follow strict processes to protect personal and sensitive data, minimising risks and maintaining trust with clients, staff and partners.

Why CSR Matters in Business

The importance of CSR lies in its ability to create trust, loyalty and long-term value. Research shows that companies with firm CSR commitments attract and retain better talent, build stronger client relationships, and enjoy greater community support. By adopting the corporate social responsibility pyramid framework, businesses like ours can meet economic needs while also delivering ethical and philanthropic contributions.

For clients, CSR provides confidence that they are working with a firm that shares their values and aligns with their goals. For staff, it creates an environment where they feel supported and inspired. For the community, it builds lasting partnerships that deliver meaningful impact.

How We Can Help

Selecting Dutton Gregory means choosing a law firm that embodies both professional excellence and a heartfelt commitment to our community. We pride ourselves on delivering not only exceptional legal counsel but also on fostering meaningful, positive change.

If you’re interested in exploring our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, potential partnership opportunities, or collaborative efforts that contribute to impactful community work. In that case, we warmly invite you to reach out to our team. We look forward to connecting with you.